Politics in pRO is evident in the guild system and in the creation of the different factions (particularly in the then-Chaos server). Obviously, the more famous guilds are known throughout the server. They acquire their fame from being accomplished in the thrice-a-week sieges, holding down scores of agits for lengthy periods of time. But just like Philippine politics where the loyalty (or services) of a person can be bought, this can be reflected in the ever-increasing "salaries" that are usually dependent on the job class. People are paid and given items just to be loyal. For their part, the player just has to contribute his or her time. Maybe it seems normal, just like when we need someone’s services, we pay in cash in exchange for the service. Not really. Joining a guild is like joining a club; you have to follow its rules and stand by its ideals. You have to do things according to the consensus of the guild. Imagine this set up multiplied by several times, and you get the faction. Now, you don’t just act by your guild; you act by the consensus of a lot of guilds. You now have allies; guilds to help acquire and defend their agits. The different guilds that comprise a faction may or may not have the same views, and conflicts do occur. Or sometimes, guilds come together and merge. Here, as we have discussed in our history class, the members "may be loyal to their leaders, but not necessary to the whole structure/ideology".
The guild’s internal structure is just like any other hierarchy: it has its leaders of various ranks, and the members. The ranking system in guilds may be based on seniority, popularity, or even on personal reasons. I have yet to encounter a guild wherein its leaders are elected or chosen by the members.
Being with a guild for more than a year, I have observed that it is indeed a mirror of Philippine politics. A few ruled over the majority; popularity means having a large following. They have their agreements or pacts, hold regular meetings to discuss current situations, and come together during major events (in pRO, this would be the annual RPC). Of course, there’s also the guildhoppers, who would act much like the balimbings in Pinoy politics.
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I was checking sites last Monday when I stumbled upon GM T's site. He's having a Group Writing Project, and this post would be my first entry. If you guys also plan to join, just visit his site for the complete mechanics and details.
